BOISE, Idaho — When Kentucky made its way to the court at the Taco Bell Arena to warm up for its NCAA Tournament first-round date with Davidson, its typical band of support — though not as large as year’s past—was present behind its bench.

But as the game went along, the blue-clad group, which never actually diminished in size, felt smaller. With each Davidson make, a majority of the crowd — eager for an upset — cheered in unison for the underdog. It wasn’t quite a road game for fifth-seeded Kentucky, but it sure started to seem like it.

Even so, Kentucky — led by the strength of five starting freshmen — was able to overcome some shooting struggles — including an 0-for-6 effort from downtown — to get past Davidson 78-73 in the Battle of the Wildcats to advance to the second round.

“It was a good one for this young team,” coach John Calipari said. “First time they’ve been in the NCAA Tournament, not knowing what to...